Where to go on a winter trip in Kyoto when it snows? What to do? 5 recommended spots

Kyoto is often associated with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, but a winter trip to Kyoto is also quite nice!
Kyoto has a variety of tourist attractions, but you want to know where you should visit because it is winter.
Therefore, we would like to introduce five recommended spots for winter travel in Kyoto.

Table of Contents

Myoumanji Temple

■Tatsumi Bridge

Ine-no-Funaya

■Togetsu Bridge

Amanohashidate

Myoumanji Temple

Myoman-ji Temple is well known for its fantastic snowy scenery.
The temple is located in Iwakura, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, and is the head temple of the Kemoto Hokke sect of Buddhism, also known as "Snow Garden.
Myoman-ji Temple was founded in 1389 and is famous for its bell associated with the legend of Anchin and Kiyohime.
It has also become a popular sightseeing spot in winter, and the sight of the garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan for its snow, moon, and flowers, dyed in pure white is breathtaking.
Other flowers bloom in April, azaleas in May, and lotus in August, so be sure to take a look at the plantings.

○Word of mouth

It is famous for its snow garden and over 3,000 azaleas, which were very beautiful.
...The snowy garden is tasteful and wonderful. The atmosphere is different when you are away from the city....
It is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan for its snow, moon, and flowers. In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom beautifully and decorate the grounds.
The "Snow Garden" in the main hall is famous. It is said that Matsunaga Sadanori, the haiku master of Matsuo Basho, created this garden.

Facility Name:Myoman-ji Temple
Address: 91 Iwakura-hatae-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 5 minutes on foot from Kino Station on the Eizan Line

HP:https://myomanji.jp/

■Tatsumi Bridge

Tatsumi Bridge, a small bridge over the Shirakawa River in Higashiyama-ku.
This area is also designated as a traditional building preservation district by Kyoto City, and many people visit the area to take pictures.
In spring, it is a popular spot for cherry blossoms and you will see many kimono-clad people and rickshaws, but the snowy winter scenery is also recommended.
The view of the old stone-paved bridge dyed white is quaint.

○Word of mouth

The Gion area is a beautiful area of the city. Here is Tatsumi Bridge over the Shirakawa River. It is just at the confluence of Gion Shinbashi Street and the street along the Shirakawa River, giving the area a distinctly Kyoto feel.
Tatsumi Bridge is a small bridge, but many tourists come and go. It retains the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Kyoto.
It is a place where you can feel clear. The four seasons in winter are different from those in spring.
Tatsumi Bridge is very nice in winter. The pure white bridge is fantastic.
The wooden parapet and cobblestone pavement are well aged. The white-tinted bridge. You can feel the Kyoto-like atmosphere.

Facility Name:Tatsumi Bridge
Address: Gion Tatsumi-bashi, 372 Kiyomoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 4 minutes walk from "Gion-Shijo Station" of Keihan

Ine-no-Funaya

Ine-no-Funaya is a private house in the Ine district of northern Kyoto Prefecture, but it is more than just a private house.
The private houses in this area are built along Ine Bay and are traditional structures called boathouses with storage sheds to keep boats docked.
The gentle waves of Ine Bay and the spectacular scenery created by the complex topography make this a recommended area for a winter trip, as it offers the unique scenery of a town on the sea, and you can also see snow all over the landscape.
The reflections of houses and boats swaying on the water are also very tasteful.
When you visit Ine Town, you should also visit Urashima Shrine, where the legend of Urashima Taro remains.
You can see the treasures in the Tamatebako and listen to a pictorial explanation using an important cultural asset, the kakebana (hanging scroll).

○Word of mouth

I liked the roadside station Ine overlooking the entire Ine boathouse. I would like to visit again, as well as eat there.
We stayed here for 3 days and 2 nights during the very hot summer. We rented bikes and had a great time watching the sunrise and walking around the city.
If you want to see the same old scenery, this is the place to go. Recently, there are some fashionable stores such as cafes, so it is recommended for young female travelers.
My wife and I visited Ine for the second time. Last time we viewed the boathouse from a sightseeing boat, but it was still fun to stroll around!
I had always wanted to visit there after seeing it several times on TV. The townscape was wonderful.

Facility Name:Ine-no-Funaya (Boathouse in Ine)
Address: 77 Hirata, Ine-cho, Yosagun, Kyoto
Access: about 1 minute walk from Tango Kairiku Kotsu Bus "Ine

HP:https://www.ine-kankou.jp/

■Togetsu Bridge

Togetsu Bridge is one of the symbols of Arashiyama.
Watarigetsu Bridge, 155 meters long and spanning the Katsura River, offers a view of the Katsura River and the mountains of Sagano, and is filled with nature.
The silvery white Arashiyama can also be seen behind the white-tinted Togetsu Bridge over the Katsura River.
Of course, it is beautiful not only in winter, but in any season, so please cross it when you come to Arashiyama.

○Word of mouth

The bridge is 155 meters long and 11 meters wide, spanning the Katsura River. The bridge was named "Togetsu Bridge" by Emperor Kameyama in the Heian period (794-1185) because of its resemblance to the moon crossing the river. The combination of the Watarigetsukyo Bridge over the gently flowing Katsura River and Arashiyama in the background is a spectacular sight.
Watarigetsukyo Bridge is the starting point for sightseeing in Arashiyama. It is a very nice bridge.
When you go at a time of day when you avoid the crowds, you can walk around in a relaxed and elegant manner. It was wonderful.
In winter, the bridge and the mountains are snow-covered. It was great to be able to capture that view in one picture!
It is a must-see sightseeing spot as it is representative of the scenery of Arashiyama! Recommended throughout the year.

Facility Name:Togetsu Bridge
Address: Saga Tenryuji Zoumichi-machi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Access: about 2 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate" is located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto.
This scenic spot has been selected as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, as well as one of the 100 best pine trees in Japan, one of the 100 best roads in Japan, one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, one of the 100 best historical parks in Japan, one of the 100 best geological sites in Japan, one of the 100 best white sand and green pine trees in Japan, and one of the 100 most beautiful historical landscapes in Japan.
The 3.6-km-long, 6,700 pine trees are a mystical creation of nature's forces.
In winter, the pines are covered with snow, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Walking is of course good, but cruising on a boat or viewing the scenery from the observation deck is also recommended.
It takes about 50 minutes to walk across Amanohashidate, so if you want to take a leisurely stroll while admiring the scenery, please visit.

○Word of mouth

The snowy view from the observatory. It was as beautiful as an ink painting. It is a masterpiece.
The view from the top of the mountain is a magical world of wonders. The view you see there will surely be memorable.
I have been to Amanohashidate many times. Walking takes a long time, so I recommend renting a bicycle and cycling slowly from one end to the other. Please give it a try.
In summer, you can enjoy the atmosphere while feeling the sea breeze. Many restaurants offer delicious desserts, and all people, young and old, will enjoy them.
You can enjoy the whole view of Amanohashidate from the view land. You can also ride a bicycle.

Facility Name:Amanohashidate
Address: Saga Tenryuji Zoumichi-machi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Access: 5 min. walk from "Amanohashidate Station" of Kyoto Tango Railway

HP:https://www.amanohashidate.jp/

■ Summary

How was it?
In this issue, we have introduced five recommended spots for winter travel in Kyoto.
All the scenery is always beautiful, but the snowy winter scenery is even more atmospheric and gives a different impression.
When it snows, be sure to visit the spot where you can see a view that can only be seen at this time.